FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell returned to the dugout for the first time since revealing his cancer diagnosis in mid-August, and his team opened exhibition play Monday with a 6-0 win over Boston College and an 8-3 victory over Northeastern.
Farrell missed the final seven weeks of the season while being treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
“To get back in the flow of things, the game is a lot of fun regardless of what time of spring training, what time of year and who you’re playing against,” Farrell said. “The fact that you’re involved in the game is a really good feeling.”
Farrell said it was a rugged road back.
“There was two months missed last year and some treatments along the way,” he said. “There’s some significant things to work through.”
Red Sox star Hanley Ramirez got off to a smooth start in a new spot, handling a pair of easy plays in his debut at first base in the opener. He also doubled off the left-field wall and singled.
“I was trying to anticipate everything,” Ramirez said. “That’s the key. That’s what spring training’s about, getting your work in.”
Ramirez struggled last year while shifting from the infield to left field. The Red Sox moved him to first late in the season, but he didn’t play there after being shut down with a shoulder injury.
Mookie Betts hit a three-run homer against BC’s Brian Rapp in the fourth. Red Sox starter Steven Wright struck out four and gave up two singles in two innings.
Wright had last season cut short due to problems following a concussion after he was hit in the head by a ball during batting practice in early August. Williams Jerez pitched a scoreless inning for the win.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
